Permutation lock



Dec. 31, 1963 F. FENGLER 3, 7

PERMUTATION LOCK 7 Filed Dec. 28, 1960 e Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 31, 1963 F. FENGLER PERMUTATION LOCK 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 28, 1960 INVENTOR FfED/NA VD [fl/G'LEE BY 28/51 of d 4/1:

ATTORNEYS Dec. 31, 1963 F. FENGLER 3,

PERMUTATION LOCK Filed Dec. 28, 1960 6 Sheeis-Sheet 4 FIG. /0 4; K 6 3a 6 M 4A 35 r 49 IF 1 I ll Inn IH INV EN TOR. ZZD/A/A/Vfl 1452/64 5/? Dec. 31, 1963 F. FENGLER PERMUTATION LOCK 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 28, 1960 mm R48 W m n Y United States Patent 3,115,765 PERMUTATIGN lLfiCK Ferdinand Fengler, Bristol, Conn, assignor, by mesne assignments, to irnplex Lock Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Dec. 28, 196i), Ser. No. 73,915 14 (Ilaims. (C 7ll-315) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved controlling mechanism for locks.

It is a primary object of the invention to furnish a mechanism of this type which will release when a predetermined sequence or permutation is operated.

A further object is that of designing a controlling mechanism for locks and in which a relatively inexperienced operator will be able to readily change the permutation or sequence of operation.

Still another object is that of providing a mechanism which will be of relatively simple design and include a minimum number of parts each individually rugged and capable of ready assembly to furnish an inexpensive mechanism operating over long periods of time with freedom from all difiiculties.

With these and other objects in mind reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating practical embodiments of the invention and in which:

FIG. 1 is a face view of a complete mechanism;

FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a sectional rear view of the assembly as shown in FIG. 1 and with the latter assuming a reversed position;

FIGS. 4, and 6 are transverse sectional views taken respectively along the lines 44, 55 and 66 and in the direction of the arrows as indicated in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are perspective views of certain of the parts included in a control assembly and showing those parts in progressively advanced position;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the final position of certain of the parts;

FIG. 11 is illustrative of a further step in the sequence of operation;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary partly sectional side view of the control shifted to open position;

PEG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the resetting and unlocking cam assembly taken from the rear;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the parts shifted to positions such that a resetting of the permutation sequence may be undertaken;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the code gear assembly with the separator or frame associated therewith;

FIG. 16 is a similar view of the separator structure employed in association with the idler gears and rotary key assemblies;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary and partly sectional view of an alternative form of mechanism illustrating the parts in one position;

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 17 but showing the parts in opposite position; and

FIG. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 1919 in the direction of the arrows as indicated in FIG. 17. a

In these several views lock assemblies have been shown which embrace a suitable casing and supporting structure and provided with a number of operating elements such as key stems. Subject to the user causing these to be actuated according to a predetermined sequence or permutation, the control mechanism will assume an initial or what might be termed open position. Under this position, a unit may be actuated through turning, for example, a control knob to similarly move a control shaft connected with that unit. Conveniently during this movement of the parts certain of the assemblies of the controlling mechanism will be caused to assume initial conditions. Under Patented Dec. 31, 1963 these they will occupy what might be termed home positions.

The elements which are operated according to a predetermined sequence or permutation are herein illustrated as being five in number. Obviously a greater or lesser number might be employed with a corresponding increase or diminution in the number of assemblies operated thereby. Insofar as the ultimate unit is concerned, it may be visualized as the ignition-starting assembly currently connected to energize the ignition coil and starting motor of an automoible. As such, the latter will function in accordance with current practice where an ignition key is employed and moved partially in a clockwise direction through an arc to energize the ignition circuit; further movement causing the relay of the starting motor to close with the key thereupon returning to its partially rotated position. Again it is apparent that the present mechanism might be employed for the control of numerous other units. In that case and wherever necessary the structure of the overall assembly may be modified as convenient.

Thus, referring primarily to FIGS, 1, 2 and 3, the numeral 2-5 indicates a face plate which together with a generally U-shaped member 26 provides a suitable casing structure. Extending outwardly from face plate 25 are a series of key stems 27. These pass through openings in the face plate and control mechanisms within the casing. As shown, they may be in a form, the ends of which are directly engaged by the finger of an operator, or else they may mount encasing members (not shown) in the form of buttons. The parts of the casing assembly as well as a part of the frame may be retained against separation by, for example, eyelets or rivets 28 at the ends of the assembly. A control shaft 29 extends beyond the rear face of the casing and may be connected in any suitable manner with the operating unit of an ignition-starting control as aforeoutlined. Mounted to rotate on the front face of the assembly is a control knob 30 by means of which the mechanisms within the casing will be caused to assume open and home positions.

Each of the assemblies operated by the key stems 27 will include what might be termed code units, counter or timing units and idler units operatively connected to each other. The different units or assemblies may be mounted on three shafts as in the present FIGS. 1 to 16, inclusive or upon two shafts as in FIGS. 17 to 19, inclusive. In certain respects it is preferred to employ three shafts. This has been schematically illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 in which merely three units have been shown in association with each shaft for the purposes of clarifying the cooperation of the parts.

Thus, in FIGS. 7 to 9, inclusive the numeral 32 indicates the code shaft, 33 the idler shaft and 34 the timing or counter shaft. Each of the assemblies on shaft 32 will be rotatable around the same. They will not be axially shiftable of the shaft in this form of the invention. However, that shaft will be axially shiftable with respect to the remaining portions of the mechanism in a manner and for a purpose hereinafter brought out. So shifted, it will carry with it the unlocking slide 46 (FIG' 15) and the code gear assemblies. These will each include a gear 35 having an annular and uninterrupted series of teeth and in which each gear has suitably affixed to it a notched member conveniently in the form of a disk 35 having a gap 37 in its periphery.

Shaft 33 also supports assemblies for rotation with respect to it. These assemblies will in each instance include an arcuate gear or rack 38 or in other words a gear in which the series of teeth are interrupted throughout a certain zone of the circumference. Secured against movement with respect to these gears and forming a part of the assembly are a pair of disks 39 and 48. The former is provided with a notch 41 of limited area. The

latter has a recess Zone 42 extending throughout the substantial part of its periphery (see H63. 6 and 10).

Shaft 34 as shown carries a series of arcuate rack units 43. The teeth of the latter mesh with the teeth of gears or racks 38. The teeth of the idler units mesh with the teeth of the gears 35' forming parts of the code assemblies. Units 4-3 will be fixed against rotation or axial shifting with respect to shaft In fact, if desired, instead of making different rack elements for each of the code and idler assemblies, a series of rack teeth may extend throughout the entire length of shaft 34 and even be an integral part of the same. When the mechanism is operating, they will always be in mesh with the teeth of elements 33. The latter together with disks 39 and 40 will not be axially shiftable of shaft 33.

Now considering the illustration in FIG. 7, it will be seen that the three assemblies illustrated in association with the code shaft 32 have been identified as grouped under stations A, B and C. This same identification will follow through the assemblies or units associated with the idler shaft 33 and the timing or counter shaft 34. Likewise it will follow through the illustrations of FlGS. 8 and 9. If now, under station A, idler gear 38 is moved in FIG. 7 a distance of two teeth, gear 35 having its teeth in mesh therewith will also be advanced a distance of two teeth. This will advance the notch 37 of disk 36 under the A grouping a corresponding distance. As is apparent in station E in FIG. 7, the first tooth of idler gear 38 is spaced from the corresponding tooth of gear 43 the distance of one tooth. Therefore, with this same condition initially existing in station or grouping A, it follows that the first movement of gear 33 through a distance corresponding to one tooth merely resulted in the tooth of that gear 33 engaging with a tooth of gear 43. Consequently the latter and shaft 354 were only advanced one tooth.

If the foregoing operation is repeated at station E, as in FIG. 8, then gear 38 in that grouping will again move forward one tooth until it is in mesh with the first tooth of the adjacent gear 4-3. Consequently during the continued movement of gear 33, timing shaft 34 will be advanced the distance of only one tooth. However, the rack 38 at station B, incident to being in mesh with the teeth of gear 35 at that station, will advance the latter a distance of two teeth and correspondingly move notch 37 of its disk 36. During this shifting of the parts, the assemblies under station C will remain unmoved. With the shifting of the assembly under B in FlG. 8 notch 37 will move into registry with the notch 37 of the disk 36 at station A.

Now if the foregoing operation is repeated under grouping C, the gears 35; and 35 in this grouping will be advanced two teeth. So advanced, the notch 37 of disk 36 in grouping C will be brought into registry with the other notches in groupings A and B. Simultaneously the timing gear 4-3 at station C will be advanced one tooth as heretofore brought out. It will be assumed in this schematic illustration involving only three assemblies that this is the total number of assemblies. Under those circumstances with the final movement of shaft 34 occurring as an incident to the shifting of gear 33 at station C the notches 37 of the different disks 36 will all be aligned and/ or registered with portions of a slide hereinafter described. Under these circumstances that slide may be shifted. Before such alignment or registr movement of the slide was prevented as a consequence of non-registration, or in other words obstruction of the slide.

Now in order to provide a mechanism which will advance the several assemblies upon the shafts and 33 and will also turn shaft 3 as described in FEGS. 7 to 9, inclusive, attention is invited to FIG. 6 in which a transverse section of the assembly has been illustrated. in this View there has also been shown frame parts of the mechanism enclosed within the casing embracing elements 25 and 2-6. These parts may include an unlocking slide in the form of a plate 44 to the rear of face plate 25 and spaced from longitudinally extending partition members as and 45a. in contact with the rear face of the latter is a casing plate 46 one face of which is slitted (see FiG. 15) so that the gear and disk assemblies 3S3 mounted by the code shaft may extend therethrough. The end portions of the plate enclosure 46 may be down turned as at 47 and the ends of shaft 32 are properly supported thereby.

The key stems 27 extend through slits formed in both face lock out slide 25 and partition 45. Also, plate 44 is formed with a relatively large opening for each of these key stems so that they may slidably extend therethrough. The central area of each key is reduced as indicated at and is encircled by a spring 49. The outer end of the latter bears against the key stem shoulder defining that reduction while the inner spring end bears against partition Therefore, each key stern will be constantly urged into a projected position, as shown in HG. 6. The inner end of each key stem is further reduced as at do (see also FIG. 2) and is preferably upturned as viewed in PEG. 6. The shoulder defining this reduces portion lies adjacent a recess formed in a rockahle key 51. One each of these keys is provided for each of the idler shaft assemblies 38-44). Conveniently, all of the keys 5?. may be mounted for rotation upon a common shaft 52. They will be maintained in proper positions by preferably extending through notches in a generally S-shaped plate 53 (see MG. 16). Each key 51 is normally maintained in a retracted position such that an outward projection of that key engages the inner face of partition 45 which thus acts as a stop. This is achieved by having the key formed with a projecting portion 54 below its mounting shaft 52 and engaged by one end of a spring 55. The opposite end of that spring is anchored to the inner end of the base of plate 53 providing the separator structure. 'The upper face of the plate is also formed with notches 56 through which ther extends the assemblies 3% ill mounted by shaft 33. Each key 51 is provided with a projection or forwardly extending tooth or prong 56. This lies within notch 41 of disk 39.

Therefore, when a key stem 27 is pushed inwardly, it will compress spring 49 to the condition illustrated in FIG. 10. Simultaneously it will rock key 51 around shaft 52 against the resistance of spring 55. This will cause projection 56 to rotate a given idler assembly around its shaft 33 from the position shown in FIG. 6 to that illustrated in FIG. 10. Such rotation will involve in the present exemplification an advance of two teeth of the idler gear 38 and a corresponding advance of the teeth of a gear 35 meshing with the same and carrying with itthe notched disk In this movement of the parts it will also be seen that a shifting of a selected gear 38 through a distance of two teeth will merely result in the timing gear 43 being advanced a distance of one tooth because its teeth were initially not in engagement with the teeth of the gear 38 until the latter had moved a certain distance (one tooth).

It is necessary that each of the cooperating assemblies be reatined in shifted position. To this end and as shown especially in FIG. 5 a detent 57 is pivotally mounted as at 5% and has a spring 59 cooperating with it so that its inner end is forced into engagement with a retaining surface. Such a surface may embrace the teeth of the gear or gears 43 providing the timing or counter structure. While a plurality of detents might be employed, it is found that with a proper arrangement of the parts a single detent will serve to retain all elements of the mechanism despite the fact that springs 55 of each grouping will urge the rotary keys connected theerwith to a return position.

Provision should be made to prevent an overrunning of an idler gear and parts connected therewith in response to a projection of the plunger or key stem functioning as its actuating member. Such overrunning is a distinct possibility where an operator violently projects the key stem and thereby imparts rapid movement to the adjacent idler gear. The desired arresting structure is furnished incident to the angularly extending inner end portion 50 of the plunger 27 and the end wall of the recess 42 formed in disk 40 of an idler assembly. As will be seen in FIG. 10, these elements will engage to prevent continued counterclockwise rotation of an idler assembly when the key stem has once been fully projected.

Attention is next invited to FIGS. 2 and 3 in which a slide or bolt member has been shown to best advantage. This includes a preferably fiat body 61 having recesses in one edge portion together with projections 62 extending into those recesses. The width of these projections will be such that they may be accommodated within the notches 37 of the code assemblies. It is guided by being formed with a slot 63 through which a pin 64 extends; that pin being conveniently mounted by partition member 45. Adjacent its outer or right end, as shown in these figures, slide 61 may furnish a projecting part beyond the last assembly on shaft 32. At its opposite end the slide may include a downwardly extending portion 66 which as in FIGS. 11 and 12 extends through an opening in the partition 45a. One end of a spring 67 is secured to portion 66 and the opposite end of that spring is anchored to the frame. Thus, the spring will constantly tend to draw the slide to a position where its projecting portions 62 are clear of the code assemblies.

Shaft 29 at one end mounts knob 30 or an equivalent actuating element as shown in FIG. 4. As afore brought out at its opposite end it is susceptible to proper connection with a unit to be moved and to which the present mechanism is applied for the purpose of preventing unauthorized movement. It supports adjacent the inner face of plate 25 a lockout cam 68 and to the rear of partition 45 a return cam 69. The latter is provided with axially extending and spaced arms 70 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12) capable of being shifted to engage the ends 71 of a spring 72 disposed around shaft 29. The ends 71 of the spring are prevented from moving beyond predetermined positions by means of bars 73 which extend rearwardly from a disk 73' attached to the face of partition member 45 and are fixed against movement with respect to the same. In turn rearwardly of this assembly shaft 29 mounts a lift slide 74 and a reset cam 75.

As is apparent in FIG. 4, the body 75 of the reset cam extends adjacent the timing or counter shaft 34. This shaft will also function as hereinafter described to reset the mechanism after an unlocking operation has once occurred. The structure of the reset cam is shown to best advantage in FIG. 13. In that view it will be seen that the cam is formed with opposite end portions 76 and 77 and an intermediate projecting portion 78. It carries a pin 79 the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. The adjacent portion of shaft 34 is integrally formed with, or carries a cooperating cam or follower surface 80. This will preferably include a substantially V-shaped portion presenting edge surfaces for cooperation respectively with parts 76 and 77. When so cooperating, shaft 34 will be rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 13.

The left hand end edge (as in FIGS. 2 and 3) of slide 61 lies adjacent the projecting portion 78 of cam body 75. As afore brought out the projecting portion 65 of the slide at its opposite end extends beyond the final code assembly. Thus disposed, it overlies shaft 32. It is inward of the extending end portion 47 of the separator or subsidiary casing 46. Beyond this portion, as in FIG. 14, shaft 32 carries a collar 81 incapable of axial movement with respect to the shaft. In turn it carries beyond this a cam 82 which may be in the form of a double truncated cone portion each part of which is connected to the other adjacent its base. A guide 83 is carried by part of the frame and serves as a bearing for the adjacent end of shaft 32 carries a collar 81 incapable of axial movement 6 84. The latter cooperates with cam 82 to retain shaft 32 either in the normal position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 or else in an inward position as shown in FIG. 14. When moved to the latter position, the recesses 37 of disks 36 will accommodate the projecting portions 62 of slide 61 Without the latter having been shifted.

Plate 44 adjacent the rear face of plate 25 functions as a lockout slide. As shown especially in FIGS. 1 and 2, it terminates short of shaft 29 and includes an arcuate edge portion 85. It is formed with a guiding slot 86 through which a pin 87 extends. That pin may conveniently form the base member mounting the forward end of spring 59. At its opposite end slide plate 44 terminates in an angularly extending portion 88 overlying the enlarged end or button part 89 of shaft 32. This plate may conveniently be formed with a slot indicated at 89' in FIG. 1 providing ample space for the passage of the plungers or stems 27 with the respect to which it may laterally shift. Thus, with the left hand end (FIG. 1) of the lockout slide 44 lying adjacent the lockout cam 68, it is apparent that when knob 36 is turned in a clockwise direction the peripheral edge zone of this cam will lie adjacent the curved edge of the slide. This will prevent the latter from shifting to the left as viewed in FIG. 1.

Lift member or slide 74 is formed with a notch 90 (FIG. 11). It is not keyed to shaft 29 but may rotate with respect to the same. It has a radius greater than projection 78 of cam 75. With the latter turned in a clockwise direction pin 79 carried by that cam would engage against a side edge of notch 90 and, therefore, rotate element 74. Initially such rotation will result in projec tion 78 shifting slide 61 as afore brought out and as illustrated in FIG. 11. Continued rotation will result in the slide lift element 74 underriding the inner face of slide 61 and thus lifting or flexing the same as shown in FIG. 12. Spring 67 immediately returns slide 61 after projection 78 of cam 75 and slide lift 74 have cleared edge of slide 61, thereby removing projecting portions 62 of slide element 61 from notches of openings 37 in disks 36 attached to the code gears 35. Under continued turning of shaft 29 in a clockwise direction cam 75 will engage with follower 86 to turn shaft 34. The gear or gear elements 43 of the latter having their teeth in mesh with the teeeth of gears 38, it follows that the idler assemblies will be returned to occupy their initial positions and these assemblies will in turn bring the code assemblies back to their initial positions.

If shaft 29 continues to turn in this direction, the axially extending part 76 of return cam 69 will engage the leg or end 71 adjacent thereto as in FIG. 12. Continued turning of the parts will, therefore, result in spring 72 being wound up until legs 71 he adjacent each other to provide a stop. Accordingly, when the knob or other actuating element of shaft 29 is released, this end portion of the spring will return shaft 29 to the position shown in FIG. 12. Such an action is especially desirable when the final zone of turning in a clockwise direction serves to energize the starting relay of a motor vehicle and which relay should be deenergized immediately the motor of that vehicle begins to operate.

Shaft 29 may now be turned in a counterclockwise direction. After it has thus turned for a certain distance pin 79 carried by cam 75 will engage the opposed edge portion of recess 90 in the slide lift 74 and begin to turn it in a similar direction. This movement of the parts may now cease under conventional operation of the mechanism. Assuming, however, that it is desired to interrupt, for example, the ignition of a motor vehicle which will require a further turning of shaft 29 in a counterclockwise direction. Under these conditions projection 78 will underride the slide 61 in that it will be far in advance of notch 90 in element 74. However, with continued return movement of the slide lift ele ment 74 will be brought back to a position such as 7 has been shown in FIG. 11. Projection 78 of cam 75 will assume this position by virtue of the second axially extending part 7d of return cam 69 engaging against the second leg 71 of spring 72 which will thus serve to position cam 75 in a proper manner upon the release of torsion or turning movement on shaft 29.

Assuming that it is desired to set up a new permutation in the mechanism, this may readily be done by the op erator without exercising any special skill. To achieve this he will operate the key stems 27 according to the then existing permutation. This will result in the projection portions 62 of the slide being aligned with the notches 37 of disks 36 as shown in FIG. 10. However, he will not thereupon turn shaft 29 in a clockwise direc tion. Rather he will press against the enlarged end or button portion $9 of shaft 32 by bringing pressure to bear against the offset adjacent end 88 of lockout slide 44. This will result first in that slide shifting to a position where it enters the recessed portion of cam 68 to prevent turning of that cam or the control knob 34} in a clockwise direction. Secondly, it will result in an axial inward shifting of shaft 32 such that spring 84 overrides the peak of the cam portion 82 thereby eliminating the initial detent effect at this point and reestablishing a second detent action as in FIG. 14. The entire assembly as shown in FIG. will, under this shifting, move with the shaft because of the collar 81. Notches 37 being in line with the projecting portions 62 of the slide the latter in enter those notches as also shown in FIG. 14. This will prevent each code assembly from being rotated.

However, it must be borne in mind that under the axial shifting of shaft 32 and the code assemblies thereon the teeth of gears move out of mesh with the teeth of adjacent gears 38 of the idler assemblies. Despite this, these idler assemblies as well as the timing or counter element or elements 43 of shaft 34 remain stationary. Shaft 29 will now be turned in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 1, 11 and 12. Consequently, projecting portion 77 of cam 75 will cooperate with follower 89 fixed to shaft 34. Due to the angular disposition of the follower edge with respect to the axis of shaft 34, the movement of projecting part 76 will cause that shaft to rotate. Therefore, in turning the teeth of the gear 43 carried thereby will rotate to correspondingly rotate the gears 33 which together with the adjacent disks 39 and 40 will be shifted to what might be termed a Zero position. Under this rotation of shaft 29 lockout cam 68 has likewise been turned in a counterclockwise direction. Its projecting portion 68' (see FIG. 1) would have engaged the adjacent part of the lockout slide. Thereby the latter will have shifted from the position shown in FIG. 14 to that illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Accordingly, part 38 of the slide will now be clear of the enlargement or button 89 of shaft 32.

With shaft 29 now being in the position which it is caused to assume in FIG. 1, the operator will actuate the key stems 27 in accordance with an elected sequence providing a desired new permutation. Such operation will result in the idler assemblies assuming corresponding positions with respect to each other. They will be retained in those positions because their teeth are in mesh with the teeth of timing gear or gears 43 with which the detent 57 is cooperating. The code assemblies will not turn because the teeth of their gears 35 are still out of mesh with the teeth of gears 38. Now by turning knob 30 or its equivalent to project slide 61 as previously described it is apparent that the slide will serve to axially shift shaft 32 and the code assemblies associated therewith so that the teeth of gears 35 and adjacent gears 38 will again be in mesh. This is accomplished by the projection 65 of slide 61 bearing against turned down portion 47 of code gear separator 46, which will shift collar 31 and shaft 32 axially. If desired, the ends of teeth 35 may be reduced in order that a proper guiding structure will be presented such that they will enter into the spaces between the teeth of gears 38 during the axial shifting of shaft 32. The new permutation will now be incorporated in the mechanism and all parts of the same will be restored to normal condition. As is apparent, the permutation may involve any desired sequence of key stem operation as well as a nonoperation of certain plungers or a simultaneous operation of certain of the same.

As will have been noted from a review of the foregoing, three shafts are employed to provide for or mount the timing gear or gears 43, the idler assemblies including gears 33 and the code assemblies including gears 35. The structure may be somewhat simplified by employing merely two shafts as shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19. In those views the numerals and 91 indicate shafts suitably supported by a frame (not shown). Shaft 9i) is preferably stationary. The assemblies mounted thereon are rotatable with respect to it. Also, one group of these assemblies is axially shiftable along this shaft. The second shaft 91 may mount a series of individual timing gears 32 or else as previously described, may have secured to it a series of teeth extending along its entire length. In any event for purposes of simplification merely three assemblies have been illustrated in these latter views. A greater number might obviously be included in a mechanism of the type herein considered.

The teeth of the timing gears or gears 92 are in mesh with the teeth of idler gears 93 formping parts of idler assemblies rotatable around shaft 90. Those assemblies are not capable of axial movement with respect to that shaft. Each of the idler gear assemblies will also preferably include disks or similar members M and 95 fixed with respect to idler gears 93. These disks are each formed with a notch 96 and recess 97 as heretofore described. Also, fixed with respect to each of the idler gears 93 is a second gear 98. Shaft 9h additionally supports for rotation code gear assemblies. The latter are axially shiftable with respect to the shaft.

As illustrated, these code gear assemblies will conveniently embrace members in the form of disks 99 between which a groove 1% exists. Disks 99 are formed with openings or notches 101. The latter receive the projecting parts N2 of a locking slide 103 when those notches or openings are in alignment with such projecting parts. That part of the disk assembly 99 adjacent an idler gear assembly is recessed and formed with an annular series of teeth 105 in its side face. These teeth will normally mesh with the teeth of gears 98 forming parts of the idler assemblies. A shifting lever 104 is supported for sliding movement and mounts the series of forks 1%, the arms of which ride within grooves When shifting lever 104 is moved to one position, the parts will be engaged so that the idler and code assemblies move in synchronism. When that lever is moved to an opposite extreme position (as for example by a button such as 89), the code gear assemblies will be axially moved and disconnected from the idler assemblies.

The illustrations in these three views is somewhat diagrammatic in order to reduce unnecessary complication. The operation of the parts will be obvious when considering the structures heretofore described. Actuating elements rev will be provided corresponding to the earlier key stems. Also, a manually operable knob and control shaft connected thereto will be provided. That shaft will mount an assembly of parts corresponding at least generally to the mechanisms heretofore traversedi It is apparent that when the code gear assemblies are disconnected from the idler assemblies, the projecting parts 192, of the slide will enter the notches or openings 1M. Under those circumstances the code assemblies will be maintained stationary. However, the teeth of the idler assemblies will be in mesh with the teeth of the timing gears. Therefore, as also previously described, it is apparent that the parts may be actuated to first eliminate the permutation which has been theretofore incorporated. Thereafter, a new permutation may be set up. Following this the code assemblies will again be coupled with the idler assemblies. As previously descibed, the lock may now be operated under the new permutation sequence.

Thus, among others the several objects of the invention as specifically aforenoted are achieved. Obviously numerous changes in construction and rearrangements of the parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

1. A lock controlling mechanism including in combination rotatably supported code gear assemblies formed with openings, a shiftable slide having parts receivable in said openings, manual means for projecting said slide to cause said parts to be so received, rotatable idler gear assemblies having their teeth in mesh with said code assemblies, slidable plungers, members rocked thereby and engaging said idler assemblies to selectively rotate the latter and said code assemblies to align said openings with said slide parts whereby said slide may be thereupon shifted and an opera-ting shaft connected to said slide projecting means to turn as said slide parts are received within said openings.

2. In a mechanism as defined in claim 1, said idler assemblies each being formed with a pair of notches, one receiving a projecting portion of a rockable member to be rotated thereby and another receiving a further portion of that plunger to arrest further rotation of said idler assembly.

3. In a mechanism as define din claim 1, and timing gear means having its teeth in mesh with the teeth of said idler gear assemblies.

4. [In a mechanism as defined in claim 3, means for shifting said code assemblies to disengage their teeth from said idler assemblies and said slide parts contacting said code assemblies upon such shifting occurring to retain them against rotation.

5. A look controlling mechanism including in combination a plurality of code gear assemblies formed with openings, a slide having parts receivable in said openings when aligned therewith, a movable manual control, a latch assembly connecting said control to said slide to project and thereupon disengage from the latter, a spring for retracting the slide upon disengagement thereof from said latch, means for selectively rotating said vcode assemblies to cause alignment of such slide parts with said openings and an operating shaft connected to said manual control and movable upon such disengagement occurring.

6. In a mechanism as defined in claim 5, said manual control being rotatable in one direction for causing such latch assembly to project and disengage from said slide and said control when rotating in an opposite direction disposing said assembly for subsequent engagement with said slide.

7. In a mechanism as defined in claim 5, and means forming a part of said latch assembly for deflecting at least a zone of said slide during its projection whereby the other parts of such assembly will underride said slide.

8. In a mechanism as defined in claim said selective rotating means comprising idler gear assemblies in mesh with the teeth of said code assemblies and projectable plungers connected to said idler assemblies for rotating the same, timing gear means meshing with said idler assemblies and synchronizing the movements of the same, a shaft forming a part of said timing means and cooperating parts secured to said timing means and manual means respectively and functioning upon operation of the latter to return said idler and code assemblies to initial positions.

9. In a mechanism as defined in claim 5, and means 10 connected to said operating shaft to shift said code assemblies to disalign said openings with said slide parts following disengagement of the latch assembly.

10. In a mechanism as defined in claim 9 said selective rotating means comprising idler gear assemblies having their teeth in mesh with the teeth of the code assemblies and plungers projectable to rotate the latter and means for shifting said code assemblies to disengage their teeth from said idler assemblies and means for retaining said code assemblies against rotation when so disengaged.

11. A lock controlling structure including in combination a plurality of relatively rotatable code gear assemblies each providing a slide-receiving opening, ro tatable timing gear means the teeth of which in an initial position are disconnected from the teeth of said assemblies, operating means for rotating one of said assemblies to connect it with the teeth of said timing gear means and to rotate and advance the latter a limited distance, a further operating means for rotating and connecting the teeth of a second assembly with the teeth of said timing means to rotate the latter and also to advance the said assembly, a reciprocable slide having parts disposed adjacent said assemblies and thereby initially prevented from being projected, a rotatable control, means for connecting the same with said slide to project the latter upon the openings of said assemblies registering with said slide parts, and means for withdrawing said slide parts from the openings under continued rotation of said control.

12. In a controlling structure as defined in claim 11, and means functioning upon withdrawal of said slide parts to cause said code gear assemblies and rotatable timing gear means to return to initial positions.

13. In a controlling structure as defined in claim 12, said rotatable control being free to operate through a certain are after withdrawal of said slide parts from said openings, and means functioning upon said control being moved beyond the range of such arc to again connect it with said slide.

14. A lock controlling structure including in combination a plurality of relatively rotatable code gear assemblies each providing a slide-receiving opening, rotatable timing gear means the teeth of which in an initial position are disconnected from the teeth of said assemblies, operating means for rotating one of said assemblies to connect it with the teeth of said timing gear means and to rotate and advance the latter a limited distance, a further operating means for rotating and connecting the teeth of a second assembly with the teeth of said timing means to rotate the latter and also to advance the said assembly, a reciprocable slide having parts disposed adjacent said assemblies and thereby initially prevented from being projected, a rotatable control, means for connecting the same With said slide to project the latter upon the openings of said assemblies registering with said slide parts, said code gear assemblies being axially shiftable with \respect to said timing gear means to uncoupile the code gear teeth therefrom and means responsive to movements of said rotatable control for again coupling the teeth of said code gear assemblies with the teeth of the timing gear means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Grubb Apr. 24, 1923 

1. A LOCK CONTROLLING MECHANISM INCLUDING IN COMBINATION ROTATABLY SUPPORTED CODE GEAR ASSEMBLIES FORMED WITH OPENINGS, A SHIFTABLE SLIDE HAVING PARTS RECEIVABLE IN SAID OPENINGS, MANUAL MEANS FOR PROJECTING SAID SLIDE TO CAUSE SAID PARTS TO BE SO RECEIVED, ROTATABLE IDLER GEAR ASSEMBLIES HAVING THEIR TEETH IN MESH WITH SAID CODE ASSEMBLIES, SLIDABLE PLUNGERS, MEMBERS ROCKED THEREBY AND ENGAGING SAID IDLER ASSEMBLIES TO SELECTIVELY ROTATE THE LATTER AND SAID CODE ASSEMBLIES TO ALIGN SAID OPENINGS WITH SAID SLIDE PARTS WHEREBY SAID SLIDE MAY BE THEREUPON SHIFTED AND AN OPERATING SHAFT CONNECTED TO SAID SLIDE PROJECTING MEANS TO TURN AS SAID SLIDE PARTS ARE RECEIVED WITHIN SAID OPENINGS. 